Since their introduction into the Rhne River during the 19th century, they have become widely established throughout western and southern Europe as well which is evident when looking at the IGFA record books. Experts have stated that a 646 pounder might be the world’s largest freshwater fish ever caught. Flathead Catfish. Whoever that person on the viral call may be, you should know Canadian medical organizations have released statements refuting his comments. The lower portion of a human torso was digitally added to a photograph of a flathead to create the illusion of a much larger catfish: National Geographic notes that Mekong Giant Catfish can weigh up to 650 pounds. Lake. Almost anyone can catch a bunch of small catfish. Once hooked, the sheer size of this species makes it a tough fighter that will test even the heaviest of tackle. The lau-lau, or piraiba, is the largest catfish species on the IGFA record books, but there have been even larger specimens reported in the 200-kilogram (440-pound) range. Urban legendry is rife with tales of monstrously large catfish glimpsed lurking at the base of dams or pulled out of murky waters by anglers, and on 1 April 2016 RiverBender.com played on those legends by publishing a photograph documenting fisherman Kato “Mudcat” Mudger’s having hauled a 736-pound catfish out of the Mississippi river: Rumors of a monster catfish living in the Mississippi River have been told for generations by natives up and down the mighty waterway that divides the Western U.S. from the East. The channel catfish can be distinguished from other catfish species in North America by its spotted body and deep forked tail making it unique from the blue and white catfish that are not spotted. The elongated, scale-less wels has a thick upper body and a laterally flatted tail, making it extremely powerful. After fighting the monster for nearly an hour, he boated and weighed the catfish at a … Dropping a small fish to the bottom of these pools is one of the most effective methods for targeting flathead. One of the most impressive characteristics of this giant catfish is its ability to grow at extraordinarily rapid rates reaching an amazing 150-200 kilograms in only six years. Was a 736-Pound Catfish Caught in the Mississippi River. Moose should also avoiding licking vans, trucks, or people. Unless you live in Antarctica, the only continent they aren't known to inhabit, there is a species of catfish nearby. email-filledAsset 14. The image that accompanied the article actually shows an average-sized flathead catfish (which grow to about five feet in length), not a Mekong Giant Catfish. This massive monster is also more than likely the largest freshwater fish that has ever been recorded, making it … The largest catfish ever caught was landed on May 1, 2005 in a small village in Thailand called Chiang Khong. Equipped with an accessory breathing organ, the sharptooth can actually breathe air allowing it to burrow in the mud during low water levels, and even "crawl" overland during damp conditions. Weight. The catfishing world exploded with chatter on June 18, 2011 with talk of a new world record blue catfish, much larger than the previous largest catfish ever caught. The mysteries surrounding these enormous fish make them highly sought after by anglers in search of a sport fishing adventure to one of the wildest places in the world. The catfish weighed in at 736 lbs. Here are the largest channel catfish ever recorded from every state in America: State. Experts say the fish, a Mekong giant catfish, was around 170 years old and never seen in this part of the world. Once hooked, these powerful fish test not only the angler's skill, but also their tackle, as they oftentimes use submerged debris to break the angler's line. A photograph purportedly showing a 736-pound catch adds to the collection of urban legends about monstrously large catfish. Greenland Shark – 1,708 lb 9 oz Although oftentimes confused with the barred and tiger sorubim because of the variation in their spots, the large size of the spotted sorubium — which is reported to grow up to 100 kilograms — separates it from its smaller sorubim relatives. It's the first record blue certified over 100 pounds in the Peach State. Because they are vegetarians, bread or a paste made from rice husk or corn, are two of the more popular baits for giant Mekong cats and are usually fished along the bottom. However, this photograph and story were just humorous fabrications posted on 1 April 2016, otherwise known as April Fool’s Day. Constantly battling strong river currents of its natural habitat makes the goonch extremely powerful, and attractive to anglers in search of a rod-bending challenge. This material may not be reproduced without permission. World’s Largest Mekong Catfish Caught ©Photo from Suthep Kristsanavarin. Here is a look at the world records to beat and tips for how to do it: All-Tackle Record:64.86 kilograms (143 pounds, 0 ounces), Kerr Lake, Va., USA. Angling legend Alfred C. Glassell Jr. caught this enormous Black Marlin way back in 1953, making it one of the longest-standing IGFA World Records to date. The exciting thing for anglers is that many catfish species possess the essential characteristics of a true game fish they grow big and they fight hard. Merriam-Webster's definition of "monolith" is a "single great stone often in the form of an obelisk or column.". Angler. While usually a bottom feeder, the aggressive sharptooth will occasionally feed on the surface. It is known to also eat plant matter such as seeds and fruit, and is even capable of straining fine plankton if necessary. A live or dead fish, fished on the bottom of a river or pool, is the preferred method of angling for the lau-lau although they have become increasingly difficult to find due to the increased commercial pressure they've received because of their high quality flesh. https://www.hookedoncatfish.com/world-record-catfish-biggest-catfish All-Tackle Record: 134.97 kilograms (297 pounds, 9 ounces), River Po, Italy. Donald R. Cox, Oneonta. The spotted sorubim is a beautifully colored game fish, patterned with eloquently random black splotches and spots. It took over an hour for the Thai fishermen to reel in the heavy catfish. Fishing for eating-sized flatheads is an easy and fun way to supply an excellent fish fry. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Although most blue catfish are caught with bait, they can also be tricked with bucktail jigs, plastic worms and flies. 10 Biggest Catfish World Records Of All Time. Using the International Game Fish Association's (IGFA) world record database and its extensive network of members around the world, we produced a list of some of the most popular catfish species in the world. Blue Catfish (Over 105lbs) 124lbs 2005 Tim Pruitt, Mississippi River near St Louis 121lbs 2004 … Although most simply enjoy telling their version of the story, many claim to have actually seen it, yet some never believed it to be true. Their willingness to take a variety of natural and artificial baits, coupled with their strong fighting ability, make the redtail catfish a favorite among sport fishermen. The Anderson woman wrestled the 113.8 pound Arkansas blue catfish monster for 15 minutes Saturday on Lake Moultrie before bringing it to the boat for a … The lau-lau, or piraiba, is the largest catfish species on the IGFA record books, but there have been even larger specimens reported in the 200-kilogram (440-pound) range. It was a Mekong Giant Catfish that officially weighed in … Alabama. Its normal diet includes fish, shrimp, frogs and insects; but like most catfish species, the goonch is an opportunistic feeder with a very liberal palate. The 13-year-old caught a 67-pound blue catfish on March 16 at Lake Tawakoni. While its general coloration of mottled yellows and browns does not differ greatly from other catfish, the flathead is very distinctive in appearance and is not easily confused with any other species. If it were banned, you wouldn't be seeing this message ... Reports that a group of Saudi scientists had made an unusual declaration about the biological classification of women originated as satire. Small fishes, crustaceans (crayfish), and insects alive or dead are some of the channel cat's favorite prey items, so consequently these are also some of the preferred baits of anglers targeting channel cats. The species has also been introduced into the eastern United States, where it has clearly flourished and grown to record size. The goonch is a mysterious catfish species that inhabits the rocky, swift moving rivers of central Asia's Ganges, Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins with some of the largest specimens taken in India, where they commonly exceed 45 kilograms (100 pounds). Live or dead bait, fished along the bottom, is the preferred method of angling for this rugged species; however it has been known to take artificial lures and even flies. 3. Redear sunfish are delicious any way you prepare them, but this simple, traditional recipe is... Chelsie Walters and Jessyca Sortillon - August 31, 2020. 6 Steps to the Perfect Trigger Pull on Your Compound Bow, Southern-Style Fried Shellcrackers Recipe, The South's Best Waters for Trophy Catfish, Monster Blue Catfish Smashes Georgia Record, 10 Biggest Catfish World Records of All Time, International Game Fish Association's (IGFA), catch some of the world's biggest catfish, Understanding Reel Retrieve Ratios and How it Affects Lure Presentations, Catch More Bass on a Jerkbait in the Cooler Months, Action and Power Ratings- How to Choose the Right Bass Rod, Hunting Elk with the Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Hunter in 6.5 PRC. The flathead's diet consists mainly of smaller fishes and insects, with the preference seemingly on fish. Its large size and great tasting flesh make the flathead very popular with anglers. 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